Academics

Pre-Law

Program of Study

While there is no specific pre-law program at A&M-Texarkana, Political Science is a law-related major. Students heading for law school have found that the Political Science program helps them prepare for law school. Recent graduates have been accepted to prestigious law schools.

Preparing for Law School at A&M-Texarkana

You are encouraged to major in whatever discipline you find most interesting and take law-related Political Science courses. In order to prepare for law school, you should focus on developing good writing, communication, and critical thinking skills. Take courses and participate in activities that enhance these skills.

You should excel academically, because admission to law school is competitive. You should take courses that require written assignments. Along with Political Science, taking courses in Criminal Justice, English, History, Math, and Science will help you acquire valuable communication, problem solving, logical reasoning, and writing skills.

In addition to pursuing a rigorous course of study, taking law-related courses, participating in law-related internships, becoming involved in extracurricular activities—including the Political Science Club—and participating in LSAT practice sessions can help to ensure a competitive edge for admission to law school.

Law-Related Courses in Political Science

The Political Science program regularly offers several law-related courses and sequences, including:

PSCI 490 – Political Science Internship (by becoming involved in an internship, you can learn valuable life skills that will prepare you for law school and provide contacts that will support and mentor you through recommendations, advisement, and letters of reference.)

Political Science Club

Your participation in A&M-Texarkana's Political Science Club will also help you prepare for law school. Students in the club coordinate attorney-led LSAT preparation seminars, visit law schools, meet new friends, and have fun. The Political Science Club also hosts public talks and round-table discussions by legal professionals, and shows films related to the legal practice.

The LSAT

Your LSAT score is an important part of your successful admission to law school. The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a standardized test administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). The Law School Admissions Council administers the LSAT four times a year. Students typically take the LSAT toward the end of their junior year of college or during the summer before their senior year. The exam lasts half a day and is comprised of multiple-choice questions covering critical reading, analytical reasoning, and logic. Scores range from 120–180. The A&M-Texarkana political science department provides LSAT test preparation assistance.

Applying for Law School

You should check with specific law schools for application deadlines and required application materials. Most law schools require that applicants use the Law School Admissions Council's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Before applying to law school, you should open an account with the Credential Assembly Service. You will submit your university transcripts and LSAT scores to the CAS. You will ask your recommenders to write letters and to send them to LSAC or to the law schools to which you will apply, as specified by each institution. CAS provides a “Letter of Recommendation Form” that you should give to your recommenders to fill out.